Merritt’s most historical building is the Coldwater Hotel, named after the Coldwater River that follows the Coquihalla Pass through Merritt. William McIntyre built the first Coldwater Hotel in 1908, a two storey structure with 12 rooms located on the corner across the street from the present location.

With the influx of business because of the opening of the coal mines surrounding Merritt and the ranching economy, business expanded and the current Coldwater Hotel was built in 1909 and officially opened in May, 1910. The structure was three storeys high with seven foot balconies and fifty rooms. The cost of construction in those days was approximately $6,000.

The Coldwater was a popular hotel, and was said to be one of the finest dollar-a-day hostelries in the interior of B.C. Crowds were always known to congregate in front of the Coldwater for special occasions and for regular socializing.

In December, 1973, Vince and Marion Smoluk purchased the Coldwater Hotel and began revitalizing the restaurant and rooms. In 1977 when the present pub concept was introduced, changes to the bar area were made to provide for live music, dance floor and expanded food facilities.

In March 1986, extensive outside restoration work was undertaken to build the balconies that had been torn down in years past and to restore the exterior clapboard siding. During the winter months of 1986-87 restoration of the pub was completed. In 1993-94 a new restaurant and banquet room were built, followed in 1995 by construction of The Olde Barley Market, the hotel’s Cold Beer and Wine Store. The store is located next tot the hotel, and houses a fine collection of antique heavy horse gear and hardware. Ron and Joanne Siever purchased the hotel in April, 1999, with Jim and Tina Cooley (daughter and son-in-law) as managers.

The Coldwater Hotel, with its conspicuous copper dome is visible throughout the city and highlights the downtown core. The dramatic exterior of the hotel previews the elegance of the pub, restaurant, and banquet room, reminiscent of turn of the century architecture.

Today, the Coldwater Hotel continues to serve as a meeting place of Nicola Valley residents and travelers who, from past experience or word of mouth, come to enjoy the quality services that have been traditional since the early 1900’s.